Is it a good idea to "pre-seed" the VIV

[dartkeeper]

with springtails? Can I just leave them in there before I add frogs? Will they multiply in the tank? Or should I take them out if they are not eaten?

[flyangler18]

Springtails are detrivores, part of the viv janitorial crew, helping to keep mold and fungal blooms at bay and helping the natural biological cycle. They are a good thing- eating frog poo, decomping vegetation, etc. Seed at least two weeks before adding frogs to the viv, as the frogs will mow them down pretty quickly and you won't get a population going. If you want to give your springtail population a real boost, toss in a couple of mushroom pieces. Springtails are also a good supplemental feeder to the FF staple.

[AaronAcker]

Most people would agree that its a good idea to seed the viv with springtails. What I've done in the past is when I purchased a culture I took it home, split it into two containers w/ the addition of new charcoal, substrate, and orchid bark. 2 for the price of 1

[dartkeeper]

So I purchase a culture of springtails, just dump it in the VIV and let it go? What about dusting them? What if the frogs eat them instead of the FF that I dust?

[flyangler18]

Originally Posted by dartkeeper

So I purchase a culture of springtails, just dump it in the VIV and let it go?

Yes, just dump 'em in! They will settle in under the leaf litter.

What about dusting them?

WAAAY too small. FFs are the staple in the diet, so dust those.

What if the frogs eat them instead of the FF that I dust?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. By seeding the viv several weeks before putting the frogs in, you give the springtails a chance to build up a population that will withstand predation by the frogs. You can always add more springtails periodically, most of us do. Variety is good for a captive frog's diet!